The 1^st of July saw the start of a new Rotary Club year, and with it came some new initiatives.  Near the end of June we were asked to support “Lighthouse”, an event free for local children.  It is a fun packed holiday club in a safe and secure environment for 2-4 year-olds, and primary and secondary school children, held during the week 25^th to the 29^th of July.  To help ensure success the Club donated £1000 towards the cost of running the week.  July also sees the end of Term for senior secondary school students and, consequently, a new group of Interact members stepping up for the new academic year.  Interact is a junior form of Rotary with the same ethos of helping those in need locally, nationally and internationally.  Members of our Club act as mentors to, and provide support for, the Interactors in High Wycombe and Princes Risborough.  Both groups will begin their activities, including raising money, at the start of the Autumn Term. 

Additonally, on the 24^th of July a nephew of one of our members made a third attempt to complete a tandem parachute jump for charity (in the past having been hampered by weather) – to raise money to support the increasing needs of the Ukrainian refugees being hosted locally.  Our Club has formed a partnership with a group, based in Lacey Green/Loosely Row, that has formed the charity “Ukraine2Chilterns” which is supporting over 100 households who are hosting Ukrainian families. There are still a further 100+ Ukrainians holding in various European countries waiting for Visas to come to the area.  For more details see their website at ukraine2chilterns.com.

The majority of the refugees arrive with only the clothes they stand-up in.  Consequently, the Charity has established a “New2You” shop, providing a range of clothing, shoes, underwear and school uniforms.  They would be very grateful for any donations of second-hand items and/or financial support to enable them to purchase underwear and shoes.  To do so please use the following contacts:

Kate Collet-Fenson:    07970 547999 colletfenson@gmail.com

Candy Piercy:              07976 968892 candy@candypiercy.org.uk

David White:               07787 750889 david@dhwhite.plus.com